Adsorption of HCl onto volcanic ash

HCl molecules emitted from volcanoes breakdown to form chlorine free radicals via heterogeneous chemical reactions and photolysis, which act as catalysts to the breakdown of ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone depletion of up to 2-7% was estimated following the Pinatubo 1991 eruption [1]. However, only stratospheric HCl is dangerous to ozone, and the amount of HCl that reaches these levels is often lower than expected [2]. This suggests that HCl is removed from the eruption column at tropospheric levels. Previously suggested mechanisms include inclusion of HCl into supercooled droplets or ice crystals [3].In order to investigate the removal of HCl from the atmosphere by adsorption onto ash in volcanic plumes, glass with the composition of the Pinatubo 1991 dacite [4] was synthesised and ground to ash-sized particles using a planetary mill. The ash was then placed in a simple volumetric vacuum device, which was purged with HCl gas to a desired pressure. The ash was connected to the system and the adsorption of HCl onto the ash surface recorded by the resulting pressure drop until an equilibrium pressure was reached. Preliminary results from experimental runs beginning with an HCl gas pressure of 31 mbar, 100 mbar, 250 mbar, 504 mbar and 975 mbar indicate that adsorption on the order of 0.5 mgm-2 occurs even at low partial pressures of HCl.[1] Robock (2000) Rev. Geophys. 38, 191-219. [2]Oppenheimer (2003) In Treatise on Geochemistry. [3] Textor et al. (2003) Geol Soc Lon Spec Pub 213, 307-328. [4] Scaillet & Evans (1999) J. Petr. 40, 381-41